SV:Re:I am new<>ToolZ

[Harry Bissell]

I would recommend a NOT on the frequency counter. If your scope has an
accurate
timebase its easy to get a SWAG (sweeping wild-ass guess) at frequency using
the formula F = 1 / Period. If you have a modern digital scope, the cursors
will do a "right on"
for you. You (the human) can do a MUCH better job of interpreting the period
of a complex waveform with a scope than a frequency counter can do...

I WOULD recommend a good Chromatic Digital Tuner... such as models by Korg
etc.
The reason you want "frequency" anyway is to tune oscillators. These tuners
have a precision of a couple of cents... better than MOST people can hear
(which is WHY people use them....).  They are usually crystal controlled and
can tell you not only that a note is "440.000 Hz, but that it is an "A".
Get a unit with a wide range... the cheap guitar tuners are not good for
keyboards.  I paid about $70 brand new, years ago. $50 ought to do it.

It is way too hard to get the precision you need with a frequency counter.
Before the "Tuner" I used a scope and a known signal generator, and a method
called "Lissajous Figures" which uses an X and Y input to the scope. You
count on the signal generator
to be stable... and your eyes go BUGGY trying to interpret the scope
display.

but Jim is right on...YOU DO NEED A SCOPE !!!

H^) harry

Jim Patchell wrote:

>     A scope is probably manditory.  You do not need much of a scope.  I
> have a real cheap 20MHz scope, and that will do just fine.  You may also
> be able to find a nice used scope (Tektronix 465B is a good one to shoot
> for, if you can afford it).
>
>     The scope and a good 4 1/2 digit DVM are probably the two most
> import pieces of equipment you will need.  Also consider a frequency
> counter, a signal generator, bench top power supply.....
>
>     I am sure there are other things as well.
>
>     -Jim
>
> Martin Johansen wrote:
>
> > Thanx alot to all
> >
> > I belive that i have most the tools. I am a electrician
> > But do i need a oscilloscope?